Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-02 i Weekend Argus Saturday

In South Africa, a new generation of children are growing up in a world where the digital and physical are inseparable. From smartphones in their pockets to online classrooms, social media, and biometric data collection at school gates, children’s lives are increasingly shaped by technology. Yet our laws and policies are glaringly out of sync with this reality, a dangerous oversight that puts their safety, privacy, and access to education at risk. The digital world The digital revolution is not on the horizon, it is here. Globally, internet usage has surged past five billion people. In Africa, over 590 million people are online, and children make up nearly a third of all internet users. South Africa mirrors this trend, with growing access to smartphones and online platforms reshaping childhood experiences.…

As Gaza slips deeper into famine amid relentless conflict, mass displacement, and blocked humanitarian aid, horror stories are emerging from mothers desperately seeking food and water for their children. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said at least 30 children have died of hunger since July 17 and about 60 000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023. More than half a million people are already estimated to be in what is known as a stage 5 catastrophe yet, the genocidal policy of mass starvation and killing people desperately seeking food in Gaza continues unabated. “Starvation, malnutrition and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths,” the IPC said, calling for an end to hostilities between Israel and Palestine. Youmna El Sayed, a mother of four and Al…

What was once a multi-million rand vision for youth development in Mitchells Plain, has been reduced to a ghost of its former promise, with broken foundations and crumbling infrastructure. The Swartklip Indoor Sports Centre, built at a cost of R29 million, was intended to be a safe space for recreation, youth sport, and community upliftment in one of Cape Town’s most under-resourced areas. Today, it lies abandoned, structurally unsound, and fenced off, its promise long since faded. The facility was operational between 2010 and 2015, serving the community in the years around the FIFA World Cup. But within just five years, the building was declared unsafe and shut down. According to the Recreation and Parks Department, structural engineers recommended its closure after significant deformation and cracking were found caused…

A church service in Klipfontein, Witbank, was violently interrupted on Wednesday evening when a group of armed suspects stormed the premises, robbing and kidnapping nine congregants, including the pastor. Two suspects have since been arrested, and the victims have been safely recovered. “According to a report, on this fateful day, a group of more than five armed males stormed into the church premises, threatening the congregants with firearms. About nine church members, including the pastor and church elders, were present at the time, and were ordered to lie down,” said Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli. The victims were subsequently searched by the armed intruders, and tied with cable ties before being robbed of their mobile phones, wallets containing bank cards, laptops, as well as a computer screen belonging…

Researchers from the University of Pretoria (UP) have uncovered a chilling new threat to the endangered grey-headed albatross – land-based deaths caused by strong winds. This alarming phenomenon was identified during a study on remote Marion Island, which, despite its isolation, is crucial for the long-term survival of these seabirds. Currently, there are only about 250 000 grey-headed albatrosses left in the world, making the findings of this research all the more significant. The study, published in the “Marine Ecology Progress Series (MEPS)”, reveals how the extreme weather conditions, particularly wind patterns, are becoming increasingly perilous for wildlife. Marion Island is home to the second-largest breeding colony of grey-headed albatrosses, and new research indicates that the challenges these majestic birds face are evolving as climate change affects environmental conditions. Dr…

In a remarkable celebration of unity and rhythm, more than 1 000 marimba players from South Africa and Zimbabwe will converge at the GrandWest Grand Arena today, aiming to secure a Guinness World Records title for the Largest Marimba Ensemble in the World. The event, themed “United in Harmony”, promises to be a spectacular demonstration of cultural richness and youthful spirit as it seeks to surpass Guatemala’s existing record of 505 players. The visionary behind this ambitious initiative is Kiara Ramklass, the founder of Marimba Jam. Over the past decade, she has dedicated her efforts to introducing marimba music to schools throughout South Africa, igniting a passion for this vibrant art form. “South African marimbas are tuned in C major – it’s almost impossible to feel sad when you hear…

In the rarified air of celebrities, royals and moguls, in the star-studded streets of Hollywood and in manicured estates, the Range Rover is a constant in their choice of vehicle. I doubt many of them, except perhaps British royalty, are aware of its illustrious history and the fact that this year sees the 55th anniversary of the iconic luxury Land Rover marque. Many have followed, but when it was first revealed on June 17, 1970, it was the world’s first vehicle that combined a proper 4x4 with luxury, comfort and refinement. Stayed true As the times have changed, so has Range Rover, including its vehicle portfolio, but it has stayed true to the ethos first envisioned as a luxury SUV with exceptional all-terrain capability. So too has the design, but…

While the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) decision to cut the prime lending rate to 10.5% is a welcome reprieve for consumers – especially those with debt or looking at buying houses – it must be seen in the context of an exceptionally difficult economic environment. SARB’s 0.25 percentage point cut in the interest rate is the fifth cut since September 2024 and takes the rate to its lowest level since 2022. While consumers consider what this means for their finances, Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, warns that the broader economic context remains challenging. “It’s certainly great that the financial pressure on households will ease slightly in the short term,” she says. While a R2 million bond means monthly repayments going down by just below R340…

Millions of South Africans were auto-assessed by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) in 2024, a move designed to simplify the tax season. But with convenience comes risk. Financial experts warn that auto-assessments, which rely solely on third-party data, can contain critical errors that might cost taxpayers dearly if left unchecked. According to Procompare, an online platform that connects South Africans with local professionals, Sars auto-assessed around 3.5 million individuals in 2024, nearly half of the country’s tax base. The process draws on pre-submitted data from employers, banks, medical aids, and retirement fund administrators to estimate a taxpayer’s return, but the estimation isn’t always spot on, it says. Procompare says errors may include omitted income, overlooked deductions, or incorrectly reported figures. “An auto-assessment can be convenient if your tax affairs…

It’s been 31 years since the All Blacks last suffered defeat at their Eden Park fortress. The 23-20 loss to France on July 3, 1994, featured one of the most iconic tries in rugby history, known as “the try from the end of the world.” That try, scored four minutes from the end of the Test, originated deep in France’s own half. Legendary wing and captain Philippe Saint-André started a counterattack, running the ball from 80 metres out. The ball passed through nine pairs of hands in just 27 seconds before reaching fullback Jean-Luc Sadourny, who dotted down. It’s still regarded as one of the most beautifully conceived tries in the history of the game. Since that iconic match against the French, the All Blacks have gone 50 matches without…

In a world where travel is becoming more personalised than ever before, a new and deeply personal trend is gaining momentum – DNA tourism. Also known as heritage travel or ancestral tourism, this trend merges the science of genetics with the emotional journey of self-discovery. DNA tourism is a form of travel inspired by the results of genetic ancestry tests. Travellers use insights from DNA testing services to trace their ancestral roots and then journey to the regions or countries linked to their heritage. The experience often includes more than just a visit to a place – it might involve meeting distant relatives, exploring family records, visiting ancestral homes or towns, participating in cultural rituals or learning about local history that shaped their forebears’ lives. Several cultural and technological factors…

Ever found yourself so swept away by the picturesque landscapes of a film or TV series that you added it to your bucket list destination? Of course, not everyone can immediately hop on a plane and explore the place that has captured their heart and imagination – such trips require planning and fiscal flexibility. For me, two films stoked my wanderlust. The first was Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts as the protagonist, rediscovering herself in Italy (Rome and Naples), India (Pataudi and Delhi) and Bali (Ubud and Padang Padang Beach). Everything about her food to cultural experiences gave viewers serious FOMO. Since the movie’s release in 2010, many have flocked to these destinations to either have their own Eat Pray Love moment or simply to bask in the joy…

As a TV critic, I have watched my fair share of documentaries, but none has left as indelible an impression as Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story on Showmax. To date, it’s won a plethora of accolades, including Best Documentary honours at the British Academy Film Awards and the Producers Guild of America, and several more at the Critics' Choice Documentary Awards (including Best Documentary Feature). Currently, it’s in the running for Outstanding Directing For A Documentary/Nonfiction Program, Outstanding Writing For A Nonfiction, Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special and Outstanding Picture Editing For A Nonfiction Program at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. These accolades are a testament to the creatives behind the feature, which is co-directed and co-written by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, who share the…

For the first time in 15 years, the unmistakable chimes of Cape Town’s historic City Hall clock echoed through the heart of the city this week, marking a poignant moment in the city’s heritage. From four chimes every quarter hour to the 16-note melody and hourly strikes, the restored clock once again forms part of the city’s ambient soundtrack evoking memories for some of hurried trips to catch trains after a day at the Grand Parade, and for others, simply adding to the comforting rhythm of life in the Mother City. The restoration was unveiled by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, who described the moment as more than just a mechanical triumph: “it was a gesture of civic pride and a tribute to…

The case against a group of teenagers, the youngest being 12 years old, who have been accused of gang-raping a 14-year-old girl in Mitchells Plain has been provisionally withdrawn. The shocking story made headlines in October 2024 when the girl broke her silence about the incident that happened on a field near Kapteinsklip. According to previous reports, the boys flashed a gun at her and recorded the incident, which then went viral. At the time, a family spokesperson explained how the girl was left traumatized, a consequence of both the assault and the subsequent exposure of the horrific ordeal to the public. The spokesperson explained that the eldest boy recorded while the younger ones held her down and took turns raping her. The video shows the girl’s face and the…

A prominent estate in Hermanus’s Voëlklip area, previously owned by former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste, has been listed for sale. IOL has confirmed Jooste’s connection to the property, which is expected to fetch upwards of R100 million. It offers a distinguished location with uninterrupted, panoramic views of Walker Bay, globally renowned for its spectacular whale-watching. Paul Kruger, licensee for Seeff Hermanus, describes it as a “legacy property”, and one of the most significant coastal residential holdings, a rare investment opportunity. A source close to the sale says this home was where Jooste walked down the cliff path and took his own life. The house was later attached by the South African Reserve Bank in execution of a debt judgment, although the bank did not go through with an attempted sale…

In a powerful mobilisation against the proposed live animal export regulations announced by the Department of Agriculture (DoA) on July 11, Stop Live Export South Africa (SLESA) and Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) are calling on citizens to make their voices heard. They said these draft regulations threaten to continue the controversial practice of transporting live animals by sea, which SLESA categorically condemned it as unjust, inhumane, and economically misguided. Founded in February 2024, SLESA is a coalition of South Africans including social justice and animal welfare organisations committed to the abolition of live animal exports. With support from over 50 groups and a growing number of individual advocates, the organisation focuses on education and advocacy to combat the suffering inflicted on animals through this trade. An SLESA spokesperson asserted…

The cause, experts say, is bullying, which has reached epidemic levels. Reports suggest that between 40% and 75% of pupils fall victim to it at some stage. One organisation says the situation is so dire that at least 11 children take their own lives each day. Dr Alicia Porter, a board member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), says bullying can also intersect with race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to experience bullying in diverse, multi-ethnic environments. “We’re not just dealing with bruises anymore,” says Porter. “I work with children and families, and there's just been such a significant increase," she says. "Before, bullying would be contained just in that environment. But with this now intersecting with the digital space, things can…

Aphrodite Belly Dance Studio will showcase the transformative power of belly dance at the upcoming Women’s Wellness Experience on August 30 in Cape Town. This event is designed to empower women of all shapes and sizes, demonstrating that belly dance is more than just performance; it is a practice of self-love, confidence, and community. Often misunderstood or overly sexualised, belly dance at Aphrodite challenges stereotypes by focusing on emotional healing and self-acceptance. “It’s about expressing yourself, not impressing others,” says Stephanie Singh, co-founder and choreographer, who has recently returned from an inspiring trek up Mt Kilimanjaro. “Many women believe they’re ‘too old’ or ‘too unfit’ to dance, but belly dance embraces all bodies. It helps women reconnect with their confidence and joy.” Women new to belly dance often arrive hesitant,…

Rakesh Chaurasia, the two-time Grammy Award-winning maestro of the Indian bamboo flute known as the bansuri is in Cape Town for the world premiere of Symphony of Bansuri, a groundbreaking fusion of Eastern music and Western classical traditions at the Artscape today. “Where we are showcasing and showing the world that one harmony can be reached through different disciplines of music,” he explained. The journey to Cape Town was sparked by a long-standing encouragement from Zakir Hussain. “There’s a small story about me and Ustad Zakir Hussain when I used to compose some pieces and used to make him listen. And he used to tell me that, you should write a symphony on flute. And nobody has done it before. “So basically composing a thing. So I said, no, this…

Despite testing negative and being told they’re fine, millions of people recovering from infections like Covid-19, influenza and glandular fever are left battling crippling fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, gut issues and a strange crash after any physical effort – a pattern that’s becoming too common to ignore. These symptoms are medically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Both the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially classify ME/CFS as a brain disorder and post-viral fatigue syndrome. Now, researchers from Stellenbosch University believe they may have found a common underlying factor linking ME/CFS and Long Covid: zombie-like cells hiding in our blood vessels. Dr. Massimo Nunes, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University, explained:“Uncovering how ME/CFS and Long Covid originate and…

South Africa’s K53 system, when used correctly, is an excellent defensive driving framework. It teaches situational awareness, anticipation and hazard identification – skills that, if applied correctly, can help a driver go decades without a single collision. Yet despite this, our roads remain among the deadliest in the world. Key factors According to Lunga Ntsendwana, founder and Managing Director of BlueChevron Driver Training Academy in Port Elizabeth, two key factors are at the heart of the crisis: poor training standards and outdated licensing loopholes. He says that the practice of issuing Code 10 licences to first-time drivers is doing more harm than good and must be urgently reformed. “Around 60% of new licences issued in South Africa are Code 10, intended for light trucks,” Ntsendwana says. “Many learners choose it…

Dieketseng Maleke dieketseng.maleke@inl.co.za South African life insurers and investment firms prevented fraud and dishonest activity totalling R1.4 billion in 2024, according to the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa). However, Asisa says actual losses incurred by the industry still amounted to R131.6 million, underscoring the persistent threat posed by financial criminals. Compiled by Asisa’s Forensic Standing Committee, the association’s annual statistics reveal a sharp 26% year-on-year increase in detected cases, rising from 13,074 in 2023 to 16,520 cases in 2024. Despite this spike, the Rand value of actual losses declined from R175.9m in 2023 to R131.6m in 2024, proof, the industry says, of its increasingly effective counter-fraud strategies. According to Jean van Niekerk, convenor of Asisa’s Forensic Standing Committee, the R131.6m loss represents only 0.02% of total honest…

Since 2023, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) has categorised trustees as third-party data submitters alongside banks and other financial institutions, which are required to report their figures to Sars so that Sars can pre-fill this information in the relevant persons’ tax returns, aiming to prevent tax leakage. This has had a substantial impact on how trustees manage trusts and on various individuals involved with trusts, such as donors, funders, and beneficiaries. Why third-party data? Sars explains on their website that third-party data is required for various purposes in administering the Income Tax Act, such as but not limited to verifying whether a person has filed or provided the correct information in their tax returns, ensuring that the information or documents comply with the provisions of relevant tax legislation, and…

Athlone is the home of Cape Town's famous Gatsby, a takeaway dish loved by many. A Cape Town Gatsby is a no-frills sandwich, a French loaf stuffed with slap chips, meat, salads and sauce — designed for sharing between two or more people. Today, the Springbok Women want to dish up something similar — not only to satisfy the appetite for perfection from the coaching staff, but also for their loyal supporters at Athlone Stadium, when they take on the Black Ferns XV in their second international friendly. The visitors won last weekend’s clash 34–26, but Babalwa Latsha, who will again lead the Bok Women out, said too many chefs spoiled the broth for the home side on that occasion. “This time, we’re going to keep it simple and focus…

THE glaring absence of Big Three, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner & Novak Djokovic at the Canadian Open, detracts from the typically star-studded line up at a Masters 1000. That said, Toronto opens the gate wider for those top seeds, seeking redemption, after below par performances at Wimbledon: Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune. It also presents an opportunity to young guns snapping at the heels of all of the above namely, Joao Fonseca, Jacob Mensik, Arthur Fils and Gabriel Diallo. The Washington Open, immediately prior to Toronto, proved how proverbial underdogs can quickly take advantage of a derth of heavyweights in the Draw: World No 68, Davidovich Fokina cracked two Top 10 Players for the first time in his career, beating both Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton to…

We spend a huge part of our lives at work, which is already a little depressing when you think about it. Right now, stress is sky-high, workplace bullying still happens in too many offices, salaries aren’t keeping up with the cost of living, and yet the pressure to “perform” never lets up. And just when you think it couldn’t get more complicated, a quiet workplace revolution is bubbling up, one that might just change how we work and protect our well-being in the long run. The new generation of workers, particularly Gen Z, is challenging the old “command-and-control” approach – where decisions flow from the top and employees follow orders – but leadership isn't something they're eager to chase. This conscious choice not to climb the ladder is what experts…

With all eyes on newly appointed Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, crime experts and analysts are cautiously optimistic about what his appointment could mean for policing reform and national security in South Africa. Cachalia was sworn into office yesterday following the bombshell allegations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that a powerful criminal syndicate had infiltrated the country’s law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and even the judiciary. Mkhwanazi accused police minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in sensitive investigations and colluding with a murder-accused businessman to disband a task team probing political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. In a televised address to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence, announced a commission of inquiry into the allegations, and appointed 66-year-old Cachalia as the acting…

Eight-year-old Atarah Goodheart, a Grade 2 learner at Jupiter Primary School in Ocean View, officially received a R45 000 sponsorship cheque on Wednesday, to join the Real Madrid Foundation Educational Football Programme through Generation Schools. Atarah, who has been playing football for the past two years with the Rising Stars Football Club in her hometown, was handed the cheque during a youth-focused touch rugby exhibition match at the Western Province Cricket Club. The event, which placed the spotlight on education, sport and development, featured sporting legends and celebrities including former All Blacks fly-half Carlos Spencer, ex-Springboks Juan de Jongh and Rudy Paige, and actor-comedian Siv Ngesi. The sponsorship was made possible through Kensio House and former Proteas cricketer Steven Palframan. Atarah’s proud mother, Lynzia Goodheart, beaming with joy, said: “She’s…

In a significant stride towards bolstering environmental conservation, the Western Cape has officially declared the Wilderness Nature Reserve, encompassing over 643 hectares near Heidelberg. Declared as a Provincial Nature Reserve on July 17, 2025, this new sanctuary plays a crucial role in preserving freshwater biodiversity, safeguarding endangered species, and establishing vital ecological corridors. The Wilderness Nature Reserve features a wealth of biodiversity, including the Critically Endangered Breede River Redfin. It also provides a crucial breeding area for the Black Harrier, recognised as the rarest raptor in southern Africa, and classified as an Endangered species. This new reserve is not just a haven for wildlife; it is paramount for maintaining the delicate balance of local ecosystems. Approximately 615 hectares of the reserve have been designated as a Priority Biodiversity Area, linking…

Bidders Choice is hosting the online insolvent estate auction of a residential stand in Betty’s Bay. The erf extent is ±800m² and it is located in Crassula Avenue. The land is partially developed with the only improvement being the foundation for a house. Viewing is at bidders’ own leisure. Bids open on August 12 at 8am and close on August 13 from 11am. For more information, please visit www.bidderschoice.co.za or call Casper on 082 459 8877. |…

Weeks of theory and coding came together at a project day in Wentworth, where Durban learners presented their ICT work to peers and mentors. It marked the end of one phase of the programme - and the start of real-world experience in the tech sector. The event formed part of the Engen Global Citizen Development Programme, a year-long initiative designed to equip young people with practical tech skills and workplace readiness. This year’s Durban cohort includes 21 learners from surrounding communities, enrolled in either systems development or technical support streams. With their classroom training complete, they now begin on-site learnerships with host companies, gaining hands-on exposure in a fast-changing industry. Launched in April 2023, and now active in both South Durban and Steelpoort in Limpopo, the Engen Global Citizen Development…

In a groundbreaking moment for youth representation in South African diplomacy, four University of Cape Town (UCT) students made history by representing their nation at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Taking place from July 14-24, at the UN Headquarters in New York, this significant event showcased the voices of youth as part of South Africa’s official delegation – an unprecedented development in recent years. Suitably equipped with passion and a commitment to social responsiveness, the UCT delegation comprised Nico Pampier, Seabelo Mnisi, Zou Rwexwana, and Ben Gukelberger. The students participated through the United Nations Association of South Africa – UCT Chapter (UNASA-UCT), contributing to discussions centered on advancing science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s…

First introduced at public healthcare facilities, the e-locker medication dispensing system has now made its way to Groote Schuur Hospital. This innovative system is transforming how stable chronic patients access their medication, offering a convenient alternative that significantly reduces the long queues and hours of waiting typically experienced in pharmacy lines. Alongside initiatives like the Chronic Dispensing Unit (CDU), off-site collection points, chronic clubs, and wellness hubs, e-lockers provide patients with a more efficient and dignified way to collect their medication. Developed over several years through strategic planning and collaboration by pharmacy teams across the province, the e-locker system was designed to reduce waiting times, improve efficiency, and modernise medication dispensing. While early attempts to implement fully automated dispensing systems faced challenges integrating with existing workflows and information systems, e-lockers…

Following a hiatus of more than five years, the “normal” Volkswagen Golf is finally available in Mzansi once again. Initially, the eighth-generation hatchback was released in GTI and R formats, but with the facelifted performance models being delayed due to fuel quality concerns, VWSA decided to reintroduce the once- popular 1.4 TSI version. The C-segment hatchback market has all but dried up in recent years as buyers flock to SUVs, but the new Golf 8.5 TSI has sold in semi-healthy numbers since its introduction. In the past three months, Volkswagen has sold an average of 130 Golfs a month, albeit still somewhat behind the Tiguan SUV’s figure of 247 units. Of course, the Golf is less practical than its SUV sibling, with relatively tight rear legroom by comparison…

South Africa’s Master of the High Court is inching towards digital modernisation, but despite early signals of progress, the journey remains uneven, and for many families navigating deceased estates, frustratingly slow. After years of dysfunction and a near standstill at six Master’s Offices due to vacant leadership posts, the Department of Justice’s 2023 rollout of a new online portal seemed like a long-overdue shift. Yet, as practitioners and families alike quickly discovered, digitisation has not automatically translated into delivery. Stacy Rouchos, managing director of Bannister Trust and estate planning advisor to Hobbs Sinclair Advisory, says that while the portal represents a step forward, it falls short of transforming estate administration in a meaningful way. “The digital system makes it easier to access and submit documentation, which is a win,” Rouchos…

Inflation is something we can’t avoid – it’s a bit like death and taxes. Traditionally, South Africa has had high inflation in comparison with developed countries, and that’s a fundamental reason why the rand has steadily declined against the currencies of those countries. The Covid-19 pandemic upended that trend, and who knows what the effects of US tariffs will be. Whether we return to what now seems was a much safer, more stable world before Covid remains to be seen. As of June, our year-on-year Consumer Price Index inflation rate was 3.0%. Over the years, the SA Reserve Bank (SARB), through controlling interest rates, has done an admirable job of keeping inflation within its target range of 3-6%, for the most part. In comparison with other African countries, our inflation…

Lions wing Angelo Davids will face his former Western Province teammates when the Joburg side host the visitors from the Cape in today's Currie Cup match at Ellis Park after a try-scoring debut against the Sharks last weekend. The former Blitzbok flyer joined the Lions recently as a replacement for Springboks wing Edwill van der Merwe, who left for the Sharks, and could hardly have asked for a better start at his new home than the 46-5 win over the defending champions. Victory against his former side would arguably be sweeter for Davids, who was once again named in Mziwakhe Nkosi's Lions starting side that features three changes to the matchday 23. Renzo du Plessis comes in for the injured Izan Esterhuizen at flank for the Joburg side that dominated…

Today, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and MTN South Africa are gearing up for an electrifying launch of the 2025 MTN8 tournament, a celebration of 18 seasons of elite football and intense rivalries. This tournament is the first of the new season and invites the nation to witness the fierce competition among the top eight finishers from the previous season. The opening round promises to be a spectacle of talent and determination. Defending champions Orlando Pirates FC will square off against Polokwane City in what many anticipate will be a thrilling clash in Saturday’s pipe-opener. Meanwhile, seasoned giants Mamelodi Sundowns will take the fight to Richards Bay, adding to an already pulsating start to the tournament. In other fixtures, Stellenbosch FC will battle it out with AmaZulu FC, while Sekhukhune…

If two weeks abroad seems impossible these days, you’re not alone. Between deadlines, burnout and the long wait until the next public holiday, the idea of a proper holiday can feel out of reach. That’s why more and more South Africans are embracing the “micro‑vacation” – a short, sharp break of two to four nights close to home, needing minimal planning but delivering maximum reset. It’s not just smart travel, it’s rest and self‑care in bite‑sized portions. Sandra Kneubuhler, the managing director for Sub‑Saharan Africa at the Radisson Hotel Group, explained why more South Africans were leaning into micro‑vacations. “These are two to four nights away somewhere close – no airport queues, heavy packing, or epic itinerary planning needed. It’s a quick, easy reset that actually fits into real life,”…